Topical Bible: Lying: Antinomians Guilty of

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Lying, as a violation of the Ninth Commandment, is a sin that is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The act of bearing false witness is not only a breach of trust among individuals but also an affront to the holiness of God, who is the embodiment of truth. Antinomianism, a theological stance that suggests that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law, has been criticized for its potential to foster environments where lying and other sins are minimized or excused.

Biblical Condemnation of Lying

The Bible explicitly condemns lying in numerous passages. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse underscores the divine abhorrence of falsehood and the value placed on truthfulness. Similarly, Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another."

Antinomianism and Its Implications

Antinomianism, derived from the Greek words "anti" (against) and "nomos" (law), posits that Christians are not bound by traditional moral laws, including the Ten Commandments. This perspective can lead to a disregard for ethical standards, including the prohibition against lying. The Apostle Paul addresses this erroneous belief in Romans 6:15 , "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!" Here, Paul refutes the notion that grace permits sinful behavior, including deceit.

Historical Context and Criticism

Throughout church history, antinomianism has been met with criticism for its potential to undermine moral accountability. The early church fathers and reformers alike emphasized the importance of adhering to God's moral law as a reflection of a transformed life in Christ. James 2:17 reminds believers, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage highlights the necessity of living out one's faith through obedience to God's commands, including the call to truthfulness.

The Call to Truthfulness

The New Testament consistently calls believers to a life of integrity and truth. Colossians 3:9-10 instructs, "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." This transformation involves a commitment to honesty, reflecting the character of God.

Conclusion

While antinomianism may suggest a freedom from moral constraints, Scripture affirms that the grace of God empowers believers to uphold His commandments, including the call to truthfulness. Lying, as a sin, is incompatible with the new life in Christ, and believers are urged to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 2:4
He that said, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Right Understanding of the Law
... It was the wrath of God lying upon him; and thus ... This I urge against the Antinomians,
who say the moral law ... the Lord to be abhorred, made himself guilty.1 Sam 3 ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm

Its Instrument
... see [1]article 5) makes God guilty of a ... filled with Christ's fulness; impotency lying
down upon ... Antinomians and hyper-Calvinists answer, Merely that of comfort ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/8 its instrument.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... to make us weep if we have been guilty ourselves; ay ... you belong to that nasty set
of Antinomians your minister ... rather die a profligate than die a lying professor ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... such blasphemous Hereticks amongst us, called Antinomians, who are ... in Scripture,
to have been guilty of this Sin ... as cheating and cousenage, as lying and perjury ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

Concerning Justification.
... holiness, such as esteem themselves justified while lying in great ... they [435] believe,
as say the Antinomians, or after ... sense; as when a man really guilty of a ...
/.../proposition vii concerning justification.htm

Footnotes
... 3d of this instant moneth, September, and so hath rendered himself guilty of the ...
161 ["Antinomians, contending for faith of assurance, and leading men to be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... was but a child or stripling, he had but few equals for lying, swearing, and ... that
of the early Quakers, they appear to have been practical Antinomians, or at ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm